UX Gym Podcast

In this episode of the UX Gym Podcast, hosts Hassan, Behrad, and Jarek dive deep into the current state of the UX job market. They discuss the challenges they've faced while hiring new UX talent, including a noticeable decline in application quality and a lack of passion and creativity in many portfolios.

The hosts explore the root causes of this trend, such as the overuse of templates and reliance on certifications over real-world experience. They emphasize the importance of a strong portfolio, continuous learning, experimentation, and effective communication skills.

A key takeaway from the episode is the significance of the design process. The hosts highlight the need for a genuine, messy process, rather than a checklist approach. They stress the importance of showcasing innovation and problem-solving skills, even if it means sharing imperfect work.

The episode also delves into the importance of passion and dedication. The hosts discuss the need for a certain level of obsession with design, and the willingness to go the extra mile, even if it means working on personal projects or taking on challenging tasks for free.

Whether you're a seasoned UX professional or a budding designer, this episode offers valuable insights into the current job market and provides practical tips for navigating the hiring process.

In this special edition of the UX Gym Podcast, the entire team comes together to discuss the fast-paced development of artificial intelligence and its transformative impact across various industries. The conversation is filled with excitement as we explore how AI is reshaping the way we work and create, from design to music, and beyond. The team dives into essential AI tools for beginners, highlighting how these tools can support basic design needs and unlock new creative possibilities for those just getting started.

We also address the impact AI is having on artists and job roles, with a focus on both the challenges and opportunities presented by this technology. AI is increasingly being adopted in fields like music production and mastering, and we discuss how it’s changing the way creative professionals approach their craft. While there are concerns about AI’s effect on traditional roles, the team shares a positive outlook, seeing the potential for new job roles and the enhancement of existing ones.

The conversation then turns to the future of AI—whether it will become a general-purpose tool or remain specialized—and how it can be used to enhance, rather than replace, human creativity. As we navigate the growing presence of AI, we also explore the importance of protecting original work in this new era, ensuring that creators can maintain ownership over their unique contributions.

Throughout the episode, we share advice for beginners entering the age of AI, encouraging continuous learning and emphasizing the role of AI as a powerful tool for growth. The team also reflects on the human aspect in an AI-driven world, stressing the importance of staying connected to the creative process and using AI as a learning tool, rather than just a product. With insights from AI experts and practical tips for getting started, this episode offers a comprehensive look at AI’s impact and its exciting potential to shape the future of UX and beyond.

In this episode of UX Gym Stories, we're excited to introduce Rodrigo Dias Casco, a recent graduate of the UX Gym Training Program. Rodrigo’s journey is anything but ordinary—after spending eight years as a chef in the demanding world of gastronomy, he found himself worn out by the long hours and relentless pressure of restaurant life. Inspired by his wife, who works in product management, Rodrigo made a bold decision to pivot his career and dive into the world of UX design.

Join us as Rodrigo shares the story of his transition from the fast-paced kitchen to the creative and ever-evolving field of user experience design. He talks about the pivotal moments that led him to rethink his career path, the challenges he faced in leaving behind a profession he knew so well, and how the hands-on training at UX Gym helped him build the skills and confidence needed for his new role.

Rodrigo also opens up about the exciting projects he’s worked on, the lessons he’s learned, and his goals for the future as he carves out his place in the UX design landscape. Whether you're considering a career change yourself or are simply fascinated by the transformative power of UX, this episode is full of inspiring insights and valuable takeaways.

Tune in to hear Rodrigo’s inspiring journey from the kitchen to the cutting edge of design, and discover what it takes to make a successful career change in today’s fast-moving world.


Learn more about UX Gym here.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to share some exciting updates from UX Gym! After taking your feedback to heart, we’ve revamped our Training and Mentorship programs to better fit your needs and budget.

We’re diving into the details of our new and improved offerings. You’ll hear about our Ad-hoc Mentorship Sessions, which provide personalized one-on-one support, and our thorough 4-Week Training Program that covers key UX design concepts and hands-on skills. Plus, we’ve introduced a new 2-Week Training Program aimed at designers who want to quickly boost their UI skills.

But that’s not all—UX Gym is now more budget-friendly with our new payment plans. You can now pay for your training in up to 6 installments, making it easier than ever to get the education you need.

Tune in to find out how these new options can help you take your UX career to the next level. Don’t miss out on the chance to make the most of UX Gym’s latest offerings!

Curious to learn more about UX Gym? Click here to check out our website.

In this episode of the UX Gym Podcast, we delve into the essential topic of launching your career as a UX Designer with a focus on the importance of taking things slow.

Many new designers make the mistake of rushing their way into the industry, eager to land their first job. However, we explore why slowing down can be the key to long-term success and fulfillment. We discuss the dangers of burnout and depression that can come from moving too quickly and emphasize the importance of investing time in proper training and understanding essential tools.

Creating a habit of continuous learning is crucial in the ever-evolving field of UX design. We highlight the importance of not skipping any parts of the learning process and mastering each skill step by step. For instance, starting with Figma and practicing by redesigning screens can build a solid foundation.

We also cover the significance of working on your portfolio and case studies, showcasing your growth and abilities to potential employers. Enjoyment and long-term commitment to your career are achieved when you take a measured approach, allowing your passion for UX design to flourish without the strain of unnecessary pressure.

Join us as we share insights and tips on how to navigate the early stages of your UX design career thoughtfully and effectively.


Learn more about UX Gym Training here.

In this episode of UX Gym Stories, we are happy to welcome Melissa Matos, who takes us on a captivating journey from her beginnings in as an English Teacher to her current pursuit of a career in UX design.

Melissa shares the pivotal moments that inspired her transition, the challenges she's encountering in the world of UX, and the invaluable experiences she has gained from her training at UX Gym. 

She delves into her her career start as an expat English teacher and what led her to explore UX design, the obstacles she's faced while navigating this career shift and how she’s overcoming them, and the hands-on training and projects at UX Gym that are shaping her skills and confidence.

Melissa also shares his aspirations and goals for the future as she continues to carve out her place in the UX design landscape. Whether you're considering a career change or are simply interested in the transformative power of UX design, this episode offers insightful perspectives and inspiring takeaways.

Tune in to hear Melissa’s story of determination, growth, and her vision for a fulfilling career in UX design.


Learn More about UX Gym here.

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In this special shorter episode, host Jarek dives into the challenges of starting out in UX design. Perfect for beginners and pros alike, this episode offers quick, impactful tips for self-guided learning and essential skills.

Jarek discusses the pitfalls of relying on AI tools like ChatGPT for UX solutions, emphasizing the need for human creativity. He reveals the fundamental skill every product designer needs to excel and shares effective strategies for finding reliable UX information from scratch.

Additionally, Jarek highlights the importance of research and analytical skills, explaining why they are crucial for making informed design decisions. Tune in for a quick guide to navigating your UX journey and building a strong foundation.

Unlock the secrets to seamless user onboarding in SaaS products  in this podcast version of the recent UX Gym webinar featuring Franziska Schulze. 

In today's competitive landscape, the initial interaction a user has with your SaaS product can make or break their experience. This webinar is your gateway to mastering the art of user onboarding, ensuring that your product's first impression is not just good, but exceptional.

Join us to discover a comprehensive toolkit of UX writing strategies designed to elevate your SaaS onboarding process

In this webinar you will learn:

• Master the first steps: Learn powerful strategies for effortlessly guiding users through the initial stages of your SaaS product.
• Sharpen your onboarding spidey sense: Develop your intuition for potential roadblocks within the onboarding flow and discover solutions to address them.
• Discover solutions-oriented approaches: Explore practical tactics and hands-on solutions to motivate users throughout their onboarding journey.

Whether you're a seasoned UX writer or just starting out, this webinar is packed with valuable insights and actionable techniques to enhance your SaaS onboarding process. Don't miss this opportunity to level up your user experience game and leave a lasting impression on your users.

About the Speaker: Franziska Schulze

Languages have always been my passion, fueling my 5+ year journey in UX writing. Leveraging my language education and localization background, I excel at translating complex ideas into straightforward, user-centric content. Alongside Markus Schrumpf, I co-founded dialogue gmbh. We assist SaaS, FinTech and e-commerce businesses in crafting exceptional user experiences and optimising operational processes to save time and resources.

Learn more about UX Gym here.

Follow Franziska Schulze on LinkedIn here.

Sabrina Hernandez  is another graduate of UX Gym. She is a brilliant designer based in the USA. Like many of our students, Sabrina has an extensive understanding of what UX design entails but lacked sufficient training to perfect her execution and refine her design process.

The reality is that when you're delivering a project or employed, you don’t have much room to explore and refine your process and techniques due to time constraints and the need to support various initiatives.

I’ve heard from several boxers that the best times to evolve their game are when they’re NOT in camp, simply "playing around" with friends in the gym.

This is similar to training at UX Gym Training & Mentorship. You get to train with other UX designers, receive one-on-one feedback, practice design fundamentals, and commit to numerous rounds of audits, iterations, and prototyping. In essence, you get in shape.

When you’re back out there, working on exciting projects or joining a new company, you’ll realize a newfound confidence derived purely from the work you put into UX Gym training.


Click here to learn more about UX Gym

Click here to join our Discord Community

In this insightful episode of the UX Gym Podcast, guest host Behrad Mirafshar welcomes Laura Baker, the Global Design Director at Fearless, for a deep dive into the pivotal challenges and obstacles designers face in their careers. Together, they explore the nuanced path from overcoming imposter syndrome to establishing oneself as a leader in the design world.

Laura shares her strategies for seeking constructive feedback and managing critical conversations to steer towards positive outcomes. They discuss the significant transition from a junior designer to a leadership role, highlighting the importance of understanding the business side of design.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into empathizing with stakeholders, understanding their motivations, and asking the right questions to challenge assumptions. Laura also emphasizes the crucial skill of translating design efforts into tangible business metrics and outcomes.

Tune in to discover practical tips and inspiring stories that will empower designers at every stage of their career to navigate and thrive in the dynamic field of design.

Learn more about UX Gym here.

Follow Laura Baker on LinkedIn here.